How to help a young couple who loved the location and bones of a traditional home, but wanted a decisive shift in its decor and vibe to modern luxe? Begin by pulling down the 2-story walls of oak paneling, heavy fireplace mantle, and scraping out the dimly lit kitchen. Opening the kitchen into the family room and reworking the architecture of the space was the solution to creating the fresh feeling we were after. Photos by John Bessler

John Bessler
Example of a classic carpeted bedroom design in Raleigh with blue walls

Living Room
Home design - transitional home design idea in Dallas

Young newlyweds were looking to transform their home into a chic, sophisticated space for both relaxation and entertaining friends and family. Our approach was utilizing materials that were both luxe and livable, taking into consideration pets and a baby on the way!

The chance to build a lakeside weekend home in rural NC provided this Chapel Hill family with an opportunity to ditch convention and think outside the box. For instance, we traded the traditional boat dock with what's become known as the "party dock"… a floating lounge of sorts, complete with wet bar, TV, swimmer's platform, and plenty of spots for watching the water fun. Inside, we turned one bedroom into a gym with climbing wall - and dropped the idea of a dining room, in favor of a deep upholstered niche and shuffleboard table. Outdoor drapery helped blur the lines between indoor spaces and exterior porches filled with upholstery, swings, and places for lazy napping. And after the sun goes down....smores, anyone? John Bessler

John Bessler
Example of a classic carpeted bedroom design in Raleigh with blue walls

The chance to build a lakeside weekend home in rural NC provided this Chapel Hill family with an opportunity to ditch convention and think outside the box. For instance, we traded the traditional boat dock with what's become known as the "party dock"… a floating lounge of sorts, complete with wet bar, TV, swimmer's platform, and plenty of spots for watching the water fun. Inside, we turned one bedroom into a gym with climbing wall - and dropped the idea of a dining room, in favor of a deep upholstered niche and shuffleboard table. Outdoor drapery helped blur the lines between indoor spaces and exterior porches filled with upholstery, swings, and places for lazy napping. And after the sun goes down....smores, anyone? John Bessler

Living Room
Mid-sized 1960s open concept ceramic tile living room photo in Austin with pink walls, a corner fireplace, a plaster fireplace and a tv stand

John Bessler
Dining room - traditional medium tone wood floor dining room idea in Raleigh with multicolored walls

Photo by John Bessler
Example of a classic formal light wood floor living room design in Raleigh with orange walls, a standard fireplace and a wood fireplace surround

Photography and some table accessories added. Took away family photos and small knicknacks and moved them to another area so this space is purely for entertaining now.

How to help a young couple who loved the location and bones of a traditional home, but wanted a decisive shift in its decor and vibe to modern luxe? Begin by pulling down the 2-story walls of oak paneling, heavy fireplace mantle, and scraping out the dimly lit kitchen. Opening the kitchen into the family room and reworking the architecture of the space was the solution to creating the fresh feeling we were after. Photos by John Bessler

John Bessler
Enclosed dining room - traditional enclosed dining room idea in Raleigh with gray walls

Photo by John Bessler
Kids' bedroom - bedroom transitional boy carpeted kids' bedroom idea in Raleigh with blue walls

Photo by John Bessler
Inspiration for a timeless enclosed medium tone wood floor living room library remodel in Raleigh

How to help a young couple who loved the location and bones of a traditional home, but wanted a decisive shift in its decor and vibe to modern luxe? Begin by pulling down the 2-story walls of oak paneling, heavy fireplace mantle, and scraping out the dimly lit kitchen. Opening the kitchen into the family room and reworking the architecture of the space was the solution to creating the fresh feeling we were after. Photos by John Bessler

Photo by John Bessler
Dining room - mid-sized traditional medium tone wood floor dining room idea in Raleigh with multicolored walls

How to help a young couple who loved the location and bones of a traditional home, but wanted a decisive shift in its decor and vibe to modern luxe? Begin by pulling down the 2-story walls of oak paneling, heavy fireplace mantle, and scraping out the dimly lit kitchen. Opening the kitchen into the family room and reworking the architecture of the space was the solution to creating the fresh feeling we were after. Photos by John Bessler

Photo by John Bessler
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless enclosed living room remodel in Raleigh with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a wood fireplace surround